Quinnipiac backs out of Frozen Hockey Classic

Michael Fornabaio

Updated 12:25 am, Friday, May 16, 2014

Bridgeport's Frozen Hockey Classic was supposed to be Connecticut's eventual Beanpot at Webster Bank Arena. Already missing one of Connecticut's four Division I college teams for 2014, it has lost a second.

Harbor Yard Sports and Entertainment president Howard Saffan confirmed the New Haven Register's report that Quinnipiac has backed out of the Dec. 27-28 tournament, citing a schedule conflict.

"Apparently there was a conflict with Quinnipiac, unbeknownst to all of us," Saffan said. "UMass Lowell will replace Quinnipiac for the upcoming year. We're looking forward to Quinnipiac playing with us (next season)."

The four-team holiday tournament also includes Sacred Heart, UConn and defending national champion Union. The arena hoped to have the four Connecticut schools and start a tradition like Boston's famed Beanpot tournament, but Yale wasn't available.

"I can't speak to why (the change was necessary), but Sacred Heart's excited to be a part of it," Pioneers coach C.J. Marottolo said. "Hopefully moving forward, we can get to a spot where it works for everybody. Everybody has their scheduling issues within the league, or themselves. It's too bad."

Lowell joined Quinnipiac and champion Yale at the 2013 Frozen Four (St. Cloud State, which Quinnipiac cited as its conflict, was the fourth team in that quartet). The River Hawks were the preseason No. 1 last season before Sacred Heart upset them on opening night.

"It's too bad Quinnipiac won't be able to take part," Marottolo said. "Lowell's obviously a strong opponent, a winner on the national level, no question. For someone like Lowell to jump in at the last minute is great."